TWO people have been charged with murdering Lauren Goodger’s ex-boyfriend’s brother after he was knifed to death in a car park.
Stephen Morrisson – the brother of Lauren’s former jailbird lover Joey Morrisson – was attacked in Epping, Essex, in 2020.
The 30-year-old was driven from the scene to a nearby petrol garage where he collapsed on the forecourt.
Stephen was rushed to hospital but could not be saved and was declared dead shortly after.
Essex Police today confirmed two men have now been charged with murder.
Yonas Girma, 28, and Ellis Heather, 25, appeared at the Old Bailey where a provisional trial was set for May 18.
Detective Chief Inspector Greg Wood, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate said: “This investigation has progressed over the last five years, through a number of challenges and we have always remained focused on securing justice for Stephen’s family and friends.
“Whilst our meticulous trial preparation work is now underway, we always have the loss Stephen’s family feel at the forefront of our minds.”
The horror unfolded on June 23, 2020, following a “confrontation” in a car park on Epping Road.
Police trawled through more than 200 hours of CCTV footage and seized more than 1,000 exhibits, 50 phones, almost 40 computer items and five vehicles.
Paying tribute at the time, Stephen’s brother – the rapper Jon Morrisson – posted on Instagram: “Rest in peace my brother my friend my twin Stevo I’m gonna miss you bro.
“No words can explain this pain. I’m thankful for everything you done for me and our family.
“We ain’t no angels but you didn’t deserve to go out like that and I’m thankful I got to bump into you on Father’s Day and cuddle you and tell you I love you & say goodbye.
“RiptheZeroLboss.”
Stephen, the younger brother of Morrisson, was jailed in 2012 following a burglary at a cannabis factory in Essex in which a live-in gardener died after falling from a roof.
He was the subject of a major manhunt and described as “dangerous” by police at the time.
Reality star Lauren, 39, had spent time with Stephen at Christmas while she was dating Joey.
The pair had a whirlwind 15-month relationship but broke up following a furious row at HMP Highpoint South.
She later moved on with Charles Drury, who she split from again earlier this year.
The couple share two children, daughter Lorena who tragically passed away shortly after she was born and four-year-old Larose.
